Wilderness trekking vacationsTours & vacations in 2019 & 2020

The world’s truly wild places are few and far between these days as we humans tend to get everywhere. Wilderness trekking vacations take place where you will meet virtually no other hikers, in locations that are almost raw in their beauty. Most require a reasonable but not super level of fitness, and often require camping. Examples include Yunnan Province in China, the Khangai Mountains of Mongolia or the Maliau Basin of Borneo.

Memorable parts?
The kindness of the Nepalese people and my guide, the blue of the mountains sitting on top of the green grass...
Tips?
Don't go early september! Its too hot and the leeches are not amazing. Late september is when the good festivals and weather are.
Local benefits?
Yes! So much. I got really int supporting the local economy in Nepal - everyone is so gracious an happy to have you visiting so it was nice to return the favor
how I could.
Overall rating?
I... (more)Johnny Sciortino

Memorable parts?
The scenery and spirituality of Bhutan is unique and a once in a lifetime experience for my family.
Tips?
Even in late spring weather was unpredictable. I would be trekking with shorts and a tee shirt in the morning, long pants and fleece in afternoon and wishing for ski gear in the evening before going to bed.
Local benefits?
Sure, every dollar spent in Bhutan on environmental friendly tourism allows the country to stay the path in rejecting other... (more)Robert Whitmore

We were fortunate to have great weather, the sunshine made the colours of the landscape even more beautiful. The places we stayed were simple but this just added to the atmosphere, superb food too and a sauna each evening followed by swimming in the lake on five nights. (more)Sarah Hilling

Great walking. Sauna and swim in lake after walk. Everything went well. (more)Vincent Murphy

Everything ! :) Especially saunas and last hiking day with so amazing landscapes ! It was a wonderful trip ! Thanks :) I would recommend it to my friends :) (more)Sandrine Le Roch

It was a great adventure trek over the mountains (5000 m at one point!) - absolutely fantastic. (more)Richard Katesmark

We enjoyed it all but mainly the sensation of peace and space in the mountains. (more)Christine Dautheribes

Just seeing the kind of terrain that our horses could cover was one of the most memorable parts of this vacation. The scenery was incredible, as was the attention that we received from one of our guides. (more)Stuart Whitby

Memorable parts?
Getting to climb down to the Yangtze River in the Middle Gorge and experience the power of the river. Also a getting boat ride in a stunning part of the river -
when the road was closed. Walking around the Old Town in Leijang
Tips?
Be flexible! Plenty of road closures due to slips - ended up on boats and horses. If you are open to changes you will have great experiences. If you like salt
with food carry you own.
Local benefits?
Probably benefited local... (more)Wendy Barton

Memorable parts?
Visiting mountain people in their homes. Our guide arranged for us to eat lunch in a house when a snow storm made eating outside less than appealing. The other participants on the trip where all very interesting, well traveled folks.
Tips?
Ignore the description which says that the temperatures in Paro range between 40-70 F. This info is useless. The weather on the trek is completely different. Bring lots of layers. Be prepared to eating in the evening after... (more)David Reynolds

Memorable parts?
Seeing a puma on the hill above the camp site our first day in Torres del Paine national park. Apparently this was a freak occurrence as pumas are usually
pretty secretive. There were a lot of hares around that morning though... Otherwise there were so many amazing mountains and lakes to see (we were very lucky with the weather) particularly up the french valley and near Glacier Grey.
Tips?
Pack as light as possible as there are some days with a full pack on your... (more)Philip Tucker

Memorable parts?
Seeing local culture, visiting the school, and rafting down the Indus
Tips?
Read the trip notes through carefully, this gives all the required information. Go ready for adventure and basic facilities
Local benefits?
Yes all of these, we travelled responsibly and supported local communities
Overall rating?
FANTASTIC!!!!! (more)Susan Holt

Memorable parts?
The magnificent scenery, food and people of Iceland.
Tips?
The food experience was excellent [lamb and fish..we stayed away from whale and puffin..!] even in the smallest of guesthouses and towns..but dining out was
expensive [by Australian standards].
Next trip we will try to prepare our own dinner perhaps every second night.
Be careful on the roads...generally no road shoulders and lots of one way [often blind] bridges..just be aware.
Local benefits?
Hopefully... (more)Steven Huntingford

Definitely our 3-day trekking! Not only we saw beautiful landscapes and met very friendly people, but we also developed a connection with our porters and guide as we shared more than just meals. We felt more as a little group and they told us they appreciated it as well. (more)Chiara Vecchi

What an experience! Sometime heavy but always a hand to help. (more)Annemarie van Vliet

This was an outstanding Trek and an overall wonderful experience...The trekking in Mustang was quite magnificent. It is probably the most amazing mountain scenery we have ever experienced. (more)Michael Cooke

I would rate my trip to the Annapurnas as being one of the best trips I've ever done. My guide & porter were excellent company, they took excellent care of me. (more)Rodney Finlay

There were too many wonderful experiences to pick out just one as the most memorable or exciting! Some of the many highlights for me included: seeing so many different kinds of lemurs and chameleons; the extraordinary limestone Tsingy...... (more)Catherine Nursaw

Excellent... witnessing the Indri lemurs calling to each other in the trees in front of us and rafting the river rapids were probably my top two memories (more)Kerry Abbiss

Everything, perhaps taking the freight train at 2am alongside mountains of
bananas. From the point of landing to our sad farewells it was an unforgettable
adventure...Unforgettable.
(more)David Phillips

Memorable parts?
The ENTIRE trip was outstanding and amazing... the expertise of the guide, the enthusiasm for the country, the love of the country was thrilling.
The NAADAM festival (which was what enticed me to going on this trip was even MORE than I had imagined
Tips?
Let Jess (the tour operator) guide you as to what you are most interested in seeing/experiencing. She is just so knowledge I had her plan a trip for my grandson and myself that I felt would be a great introduction... (more)Eve Solomon

Memorable parts?
The extra trek up to the glacier where we had a fab view. Every amazing view of endless mountains. The cultural elements were great too and a brilliant way to acclimatise safely.
Tips?
Listen to your leader and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness. Don't do too much when you first get to Leh in order to acclimatise properly. Enjoy the views!!!
Local benefits?
Local guides were used - we also saw the benefits from the different projects including... (more)Ellie Hawksley

Memorable parts?
The scenery was fantastic and some great days walking/climbing. The optional climb of Diablo Mudo towards the end was tougher than expected but very rewarding - don't miss it!
Tips?
It gets very cold at night so make sure you have a good down jacket and a very warm sleeping bag.
Local benefits?
Yes.
Overall rating?
Very good.
(more)Nicki Hoare

Memorable parts?
The whole experience was really good, I enjoyed the city visits and the jungle trek.
Tips?
To be aware of the temperature and humidity when trekking in the jungle. I had not really taken into account that the entire trip would be in the jungle and
therefore hot and humid every day. Also if you are not very fit that some training is necessary as it is a challenging trek.
Local benefits?
I assume that the use of the jungle camps benefited local people and... (more)Lisa Lawton

Memorable parts?
Walking to Tigers Nest Monastery and feeling truly involved in the customs and beliefs of the Bhutanese people.
Tips?
Do some light reading on Buddhism before you go and be prepared for the long journeys by car, eg, music, etc
Local benefits?
Absolutely as we always ate in local restaurants, bought from local shops etc
Overall rating?
The most extraordinary and special experience. The tour was seamlessly co-ordinated, informed and our tour operator... (more)Debbie Hoban